Donald Lyons

Donald Eugene Lyons, 87, Traer, formerly of Dysart, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Sunrise Hill Care Facility, Traer, surrounded by loving family. Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Dysart United Methodist Church with Rev. Mechille Boldt officiating. Burial was at Dysart Cemetery. Friends visited with the family from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m., Saturday, at the church. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Don and his family.

Don was born August 21, 1939, the son of Glenn (Bud) and Bernadene (Gallaher) Lyons. He attended school in Van Horne, graduating with the class of 1957. He attended Cedar Rapids Business School. Don spent his entire working career in the petroleum industry, beginning as a youngster in his father’s service station. He completed 60-plus years of service in 2006, retiring as Petroleum Manager for Linn Co-op Oil.

On January 24, 1959, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice Kay Mehlhouse, in Dysart. They were blessed with five sons and a long happy marriage

Don and Jan spent their entire married life in Dysart, making a home for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren while serving the community and school system. Don and Jan were known for their support of the school Booster Club and for providing food for hundreds of occasions and fund-raisers.

Don was Dysart’s biggest cheerleader. He served Dysart on the City Council and was Mayor for several terms. He was a member of the Dysart Development Corporation, Tama County Economic Development, and the Dysart United Methodist Church. Don was a charter member of the Dysart Ambulance Service, serving for over 15 years. He was a member of the Dysart Volunteer Fire Department for over 31 years.

Don also served his community through his life-long work in the Lions Club. He was an active member for over 64 years and received multiple awards for his work, attendance, and enthusiastic support of Lions’ projects. Don was also a long-time advocate for Camp Courageous and was instrumental in developing a supportive relationship between the Petroleum Marketers of Iowa and the Camp.

Most of all, Don centered his life around family and friends. He and Jan enjoyed hosting large family gatherings and loved their time with Card Club. He and Jan never, ever missed a child’s or grandchild’s sporting event, play, swim meet or concert. Don never met a stranger. He enjoyed visiting with life-long friends and new acquaintances. His smile, laugh and never-ending stories will be greatly missed.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice; brother, Richard; sons: Mark Lyons and Ronald Charmichael; daughter-in-law, Reda Charmichael; granddaughter, Keely Lyons; and great-granddaughter, Gemma Rose Lyons.

He is survived by his sons: Brian (Linda) Lyons, Traer, David (Gayla) Lyons, Clive, and Greg (Sherry) Lyons, Dysart; daughter-in-law, Janeal (Stanley) Penning, Hubbard; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Oakley (Pete), Camdenton, Missouri; sister-in-law, Bev Lyons, Washington, IA; sister-in-law, Karen (Gerald) Gessner, Newhall; and several nieces and nephews.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous, Dysart Lions Club and/or Dysart United Methodist Church.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.